Lakes Regional Healthcare and Spencer Hospital Initiate Formal Relationship with Northwest Iowa Surgeons

posted on Thursday, January 27, 2022 in General

The Boards of Trustees of Lakes Regional Healthcare and Spencer Hospital recently approved a collaborative business relationship with Northwest Iowa Surgeons, P.C. 

Both hospitals shared that they have appreciated a collegial relationship with the professionals of Northwest Iowa Surgeons for many years.  The establishment of a formal professional services agreement will enhance long-term planning, service integration, business efficiency and physician recruitment. 

Bill Bumgarner, President of Spencer Hospital and Jason Harrington, President & CEO of Lakes Regional Healthcare jointly shared, “Healthcare has changed significantly and will continue to do so.  This collaborative initiative allows our mutually successful organizations to more effectively manage future business and care system opportunities and challenges.”   

Lakes Regional Healthcare and Spencer Hospital have collaborated on other similar business arrangements with medical practices in the past.

Northwest Iowa Surgeons will continue to manage its day-to-day clinic operations in its Spencer and Spirit Lake locations, and also coordinate outreach clinics and services provided at other hospitals in the region. In addition to its primary locations in Spencer and Spirit Lake, the group provides satellite clinics in Emmetsburg, Estherville and Pocahontas. The clinic will maintain its current name, office locations, telephone number and appointment process.

Northwest Iowa Surgeons have been members of Lakes Regional Healthcare and Spencer Hospital’s medical staffs for many years.  As a long-time independent practice group, it has developed one of the most successful rural general surgery practices in the State of Iowa.  Its practice partners are Dr. Patrick Slattery, Dr. Jeffre Helmink, Dr. Jason Keonin and Dr. Jaren Ricker.

“Our physicians and healthcare team are excited to further advance our relationship with both of these fine hospitals,” said Dr. Jason Keonin, Northwest Iowa Surgeon’s managing partner. “We are fully invested in providing exceptional general surgery services, including  state-of-the-art care processes, to the patients we serve throughout northwest Iowa.”

The arrangement will be effective on April 1, 2022.